Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
09:36
Measurement of Spatial Stability in Precision Grip
Published on: June 4, 2020
A test case: does the availability of visual feedback impact grip strength scores when using a digital dynamometer?
Gwen Weinstock-Zlotnick1, Jane Bear-Lehman, Tzu-Ying Yu
1Department of Occupational Therapy, New York University, New York, New York, USA. gwenwz@optonline.net
Summary
Viewing grip strength scores during testing significantly increased grip strength by 1.74 lb in healthy adults. This highlights how digital feedback from new dynamometers may affect clinical measurement utility compared to older models.
Area of Science:
- Clinical measurement
- Biomedical engineering
- Rehabilitation science
Background:
- Technological advancements in clinical measurement tools, such as digital grip strength dynamometers, introduce new features like visual feedback.
- Traditional grip strength assessment often uses analog devices like the Jamar™ dynamometer, lacking real-time score display.
- The impact of these new technological features on test outcomes requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of visual feedback on grip strength measurement outcomes.
- To compare grip strength scores obtained with and without visual feedback in healthy young adults.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, quantitative study design was employed.
- 146 healthy subjects (aged 18-24 years) participated.
- Grip strength was measured using the JTech Grip Dynamometer under two conditions: with and without visual feedback.
Main Results:
- Participants exhibited a statistically significant increase of 1.74 lb in grip strength when visual feedback was provided (p<0.002).
- The order in which the testing conditions were administered did not yield statistically significant differences (p=0.559).
Conclusions:
- Visual feedback from digital dynamometers can significantly influence grip strength measurements.
- Existing clinical guidelines may need revision to account for the impact of new technological features on grip strength data.
- The utility of clinical measurement requires ongoing evaluation in light of technological innovation.
